In my mind, I’m still in my twenties—maybe 27 at the most. So, as I urged my teenage daughters to huddle closer for a photo, it struck me that they were now closer to that youthful age than I am. It’s a little jarring, to be honest. They may still be in their early teens, but I can no longer ignore the fact that being over 40 means I’ve changed, biologically and mentally.
That younger version of me didn’t drink coffee. But this version? I finally caved in and started enjoying coffee just this year. The early mornings before dawn were wearing me down, and my sleep-deprived mood was becoming unbearable. While I still have my moments, a few cups of coffee help me concentrate and unleash my witty sarcasm more effectively.
In my younger days, my home was a picture of perfection—nothing ever out of place. Thankfully, having kids helped me let go of that obsession. Now, I embrace a bit of chaos. Sure, my living space resembles a series of ongoing projects, with baskets of (mostly) folded laundry alongside a mountain of unmatched socks. Every few months, I bribe the kids with promises of a binge-watching session if they sort the socks during the show. For a few glorious days, my socks actually match! The rest of the time, I sport a colorful, mismatched look.
That younger me was a makeup enthusiast. I could create art with eyeliner, perfectly shape my lips, and achieve a flawless complexion. However, after three kids, my hormones have made makeup a risky endeavor. Who wants to deal with mascara running down their face from heartfelt online stories? Plus, not wearing makeup saves me about 20 minutes every morning—a win for my sleep!
I also used to have more male friends. I relished the lack of girl drama and the simplicity of those friendships. Now, I cherish evenings with my female friends, enjoying every excuse to gather, share a laugh, sip some wine, and occasionally vent. And if emotions run high? No problem, because there’s no makeup to worry about!
While my teenagers have their lives ahead of them, they also have to navigate self-discovery, maintain friendships, and learn that other women can be allies, not adversaries. During tough times, a good friend can be a source of strength.
Perhaps being over 40 isn’t so bad after all. I have my coffee (often), clean socks (sometimes), supportive women friends, and a glass of wine now and then. All things considered, that doesn’t sound too shabby!
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Summary
This blog post reflects on the changes one experiences after turning 40, contrasting the carefree, youthful past with the present’s realities. From coffee and a less-than-perfect home to the importance of friendships, it shows that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be fulfilling.